Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs )

Written by: Dra. Alba Catalá González

Published: 19/01/2015
| Updated: 15/02/2018

Edited by: Top Doctors®

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a variety of clinical syndromes caused by microorganisms that can be acquired and transmitted through sexual activity ( vaginal sex, anal sex or oral sex ). STIs are transmitted, among other causes, by the lack of knowledge of being infected, since STIs often produce no symptoms and are not easily detectable.. Our Sexually Transmitted Infections Unit (UITS) is dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of STIs.

Some of the STIs that are frequently seen in our environment are:

- Genital warts : appear in the genital area and are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus. The lesions caused by the virus can be treated with different methods (creams, lasers, surgery, cryotherapy, trichloracetic acid, pofofilotoxin, etc.).

- Syphilis : is an infection caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. It may not cause symptoms or the person may notice genital ulcers, rashes, swollen glands, spots on the tongue, etc.. If the person is infected and does not receive treatment, it can cause health problems in the future. However, the treatment is simple with antibiotics.

- Gonorrhea : an infection caused by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It may not cause symptoms or the person may notice suppuration through the urethra, stinging when urinating in men, or changes in the flow in women. If left untreated it can cause health problems in the future. However, the treatment is simple with antibiotics.

- Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2. The patient may have painful ulcers or blisters that occur in outbreaks of 2-10 days. There is no curative treatment but it can reduce the number of outbreaks and the risk of transmission of the infection.

If you have been diagnosed with an STI, you should have tests to rule out other sexually transmitted infections, since you may have had more than one disease at a time.

If you suspect that you have an STI, you can be visited and treated in our Sexually Transmitted Infections Unit.

The Dra. Alba Gonzalo Catala specializes in dermatology and expert in laser treatments. Degree in Medicine from the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona ( UAB), develops their daily work at the Institute of Photo-Teknon Medical Center and Dermatek. He has conducted many courses on the specialty and a member of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

The Dra. Alba Gonzalo Catala specializes in dermatology and expert in laser treatments. Degree in Medicine from the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona ( UAB), develops their daily work at the Institute of Photo-Teknon Medical Center and Dermatek. He has conducted many courses on the specialty and a member of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.